FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- The year-old HIRED! apprenticeship program has grown from two teenage members in June 2009 to the current group of 18.
HIRED! places teens in Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation positions to give them experience in career fields they're considering pursuing, said Sasha LaForge, program coordinator and workforce preparation specialist.
She said this makes youth more marketable to future employers because they are familiar with industries of interest and learn basic life skills.
The next HIRED! session starts July 19, and youth ages 15-18 wishing to register should call 255-2246 by July 14.
Apprentices must complete workshops taught July 19-22 from 10 a.m. to noon before beginning work at their chosen facilities. During the classes, teens learn about money management, paying bills, interviewing skills, work ethics, rAfAsumAfA writing and customer service, LaForge said.
Teens work up to two 12-week terms each year for up to three years, LaForge said. They are allowed to work 15 hours per week during the school year. They may choose to conduct both terms at once when not in school, working 30 hours weekly, which many are doing this summer. Teens earn $500 after completing each term.
"If (the apprentices) know they're getting paid at the end, it gives them a goal they're trying to reach," she said. "The program is for youth (who) want work experience and training in how to prepare rAfAsumAfAs and (participate in) interviews."
For some teens, the HIRED! experiences are their first real jobs. Because of a sluggish economy, LaForge said many young people experience difficulties in obtaining traditional retail and fast food employment opportunities right now.
Teens work at installation facilities including Child, Youth and School Services, Center Library, Child Development Center, Fortenberry-Colton Physical Fitness Facility, Outdoor Recreation, Silver Wings Golf Course, Auto Craft Center and DFMWR marketing department, she said.
Dajon Watson, a 16-year-old Enterprise High School student, began working at CYSS in May, overseeing children's activities, monitoring the front desk, serving lunches and cleaning the facility. She said her life experiences prompted her to apply for a CYSS position.
"I have younger siblings (and) I like interacting with kids younger than me and kids my age," she said. "I've grown up in the youth center (as a military child)."
While Watson plans on joining the Air Force after school, and eventually wants to become a lawyer, she believes her HIRED! experience will help her no matter where life takes her.
"The basics I'm being taught here involve life skills," she said, noting she's learning leadership and customer service skills.
Veyonte Bynum also works as a CYSS apprentice, taking attendance, cleaning and assisting staff. At 15, he said he can't legally gain employment anywhere else, so the program has afforded him a head start in the work world.
"I wanted to get experience working with kids. I like interacting with other people, talking with them and handling daily problems," the Enterprise High School student said.
Bynum noted his goals are to attend Georgia State University and law school. Gaining critical communication skills at CYSS will help him in all future endeavors, he said.
Installation teenagers aren't the only people benefitting from HIRED! Post facilities' staff appreciates the extra workers, too.
"It helps because you've got extra hands. It also helps (my staff) stay in tune with regulations and policies (because) they must teach them to someone else," said John Clancy, Outdoor Recreation program manager.
He said he enjoys watching youth work at Lake Tholocco and West Beach, experiencing the great outdoors and learning strong work ethics.
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